The Roswell Planning Commission hears Unified Development Code (UDC)

ROSWELL, Ga. – The Roswell Planning Commission saw a draft of the Unified Development Code (UDC) at their Oct. 15 meeting, reflecting changes given by the mayor and council.

One issue Commissioner Lisa DeCarbo asked about was whether there should be a cap on the number of apartments that Roswell permits, an issue that concerns many residents who fear the city’s main corridors could be packed with new apartment projects.

“Is there a possibility of limiting the number of rental units [in the city]?” she asked.

Roswell Planning and Zoning Director Brad Townsend said such a move would be tricky. A great project could come forward, he said, that pushes the city over the arbitrary percentage of apartments. If the city decides to allow it, then it sets precedence for breaking the requirements. If the city turns it down, redevelopment of blighted areas might not happen.

A case in point, he said, was the Frazier Street apartments. If the city had forbidden an increase in apartments on the lot, instead of a brand new complex, the current one would remain.

The UDC aims to compile and streamline Roswell’s many zoning overlays while at the same time simplifying the code to make it easier for developers and residents to understand what projects can go where.

“We’ve come a long, long way,” said Townsend.

At the request of the public, the city will hold several more meetings on the UDC and what effects it will have on Roswell. Instead of pushing for an end-of-year approval, the city is now aiming for a Feb. 10, 2014 approval, to become effective March 11. Between now and Feb. 10, there are several community meetings to view and discuss the proposed zoning changes.

FUTURE MEETINGS ON THE UDC

Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. – Publication of draft document

Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. – Planning Commission review and recommendation

Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. – Mayor and council work session

Jan. 13, 2014 at 7 p.m. – First reading and map review

Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. – Second reading and map review

*Note: There will be an additional mayor and council work session at an undetermined date and time.